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Walking a path paved by Ontario, Alberta seems to be turning into one of Canada’s gambling powerhouses. Firstly, it expanded the number of traditional casinos and racing centers. It then moved into the digital space by launching its online gambling platform. As a result, Albertans have more choices than ever before.
An abundance of choices can often make a person hesitate when making a decision. This also helps you pick the right online casino. This is why the guide over at gamblizard.ca should be the first stop for any Canadian looking for a reliable casino, full of bonuses and the latest games. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore how gambling sites, among other factors, helped Alberta become one of Canada’s gambling leaders
Historical Background of Gambling in Alberta
In the early 1900s, most forms of gambling were illegal, with only small-scale betting allowed at events like horse races. That changed at the beginning of the 1970sthe beginning of the 1970s. The province legalized casinos, lotteries, and charitable gaming to boost revenue. In 1975, a service club established the province’s first not-for-profit casino in Edmonton, with more casinos to follow in the mid-80s. These brought slot machines and table games into the mix. The industry continued to grow well into the 1990s, seeing the rise of First Nations casinos.
Then came the 2000s and with them the means to digitize classic games and make them more accessible. This opened up new possibilities and issues that needed addressing, the most pressing one being how to make the hobby safe. Alberta launched PlayAlberta in 2020, its first legal or regulated online gambling site.
The Role of Government Regulations
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The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis organization keeps a close eye on the province’s gambling. As the main regulator, the AGLC oversees everything from casino licenses to online gaming rules. All casinos need to meet strict requirements to operate legally. One big rule is that gambling profits have to give back to the community. That’s why a lot of casinos help fund local charities and public programs.
The AGLC also checks whether the games are fair. It conducts regular audits and sets high standards to ensure that no one gets scammed and that players have a fair shot at winning. Alberta’s dedication to safe and responsible gambling has also led it to found GameSense, a program that teaches people how to gamble safely. Furthermore, the province’s legal online casino, PlayAlberta, also offers self-exclusion tools. Players can set limits on how much they spend and how often.
Growth of Land-Based Casinos
What started with a handful of small gaming halls has turned into a thriving sector, with over 25 casinos across the province. Cities like Edmonton and Calgary are home to some of the largest and most popular establishments, including River Cree Resort & Casino, Pure Casino Edmonton, and Cowboys Casino.
Beyond providing entertainment, these casinos also bring major boosts to the country’s economy. The industry creates thousands of jobs, including dealers, hospitality workers, security staff, and event coordinators. In 2023, the gaming industry in Alberta generated $1.43 billiongenerated $1.43 billion in net revenue, according to the AGLC’s report. Plus, casinos also attract tourists looking for a fun night out. This in turn boosts nearby businesses like restaurants and hotels.
The Emergence of Online Gambling in Alberta
As previously mentioned, Alberta launched PlayAlberta in 2020launched PlayAlberta in 2020, making it the province’s first and only legal online gambling platform. This allowed Albertans to enjoy casino games, lotteries, and sports betting from home, all from a safe and government-regulated platform. The platform itself continues to expand and add new features to meet the ever-growing demand.
Although PlayAlberta is the province’s only official online casino, this doesn’t mean it’s the only option. There is no law that prevents Albertians from using internationally licensed platforms. Offshore casinos are really taking off as a choice for those who want flexibility and a range of choices in terms of games, payment methods, and bonuses. There’s also growing talk about Alberta opening its market to private operators, similar to what Ontario has done. If that happens, players will have even more choices.
Alberta’s Gambling Market in a Cross-Canada Comparison
Alberta has made big strides in becoming one of Canada’s gambling hubs, but how does it compare to other provinces? Ontario leads the way with the country’s largest gambling market. It was also the first to open its online gambling sector to private operators, which created a highly competitive space and in turn, a lot of quality gaming for the public. Quebec follows with its land-based casinos and its very own online platform, Loto-Québec.
Nonetheless, Alberta holds its own, especially in land-based gambling. Revenue-wise, Alberta makes hundreds of millions each year from gambling, helping fund public programs. While it’s not as big as Ontario’s market, it’s one of the strongest in Western Canada. Compared to British Columbia, which has a long-established online gambling system, Alberta is still catching up in the digital space.
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